Two-ply pre-printed rigid thermoformable material

Abstract

A pre-printed rigid thermoformable material suitable for use in manufacturing consumer retail packaging. The material includes two rigid thermoformable layers or films adhered together. Printing is included on either or both of the facing surfaces of the films, so that the printing is protected between the adhered layers.

1 . A thermoformable material comprising:
 a first layer of thermoformable material having a first inside surface and a first outside surface;   a second layer of thermoformable material having a second inside surface and a second outside surface;   printing on at least one of said first and second inside surfaces; and   adhesive means for adhering said first and second layers together with said inside surfaces facing one another, whereby said printing is protected between said first and second layers.   
     
     
         2 . A thermoformable material as defined in  claim 1  wherein said first and second layers are fabricated of the same material. 
     
     
         3 . A thermoformable material as defined in  claim 1  wherein said first and second layers are essentially the same thickness. 
     
     
         4 . A thermoformable material as defined in  claim 1  further comprising additional printing on the other of said first and second inside surfaces. 
     
     
         5 . A thermoformable material as defined in  claim 1  further comprising additional printing on at least one of said first and second outside surfaces. 
     
     
         6 . A thermoformable material as defined in  claim 1  wherein said adhesive means comprises a solvent-based adhesive. 
     
     
         7 . A method of manufacturing a rigid thermoformable material comprising:
 printing on a first inside surface of a first rigid thermoformable layer; and   adhering the first rigid formable layer to a second rigid thermoformable layer with the first inside surface facing the second layer, whereby said printing is protected between the first and second layers.   
     
     
         8 . A method as defined in  claim 7  wherein the first and second layers are fabricated of the same material. 
     
     
         9 . A method as defined in  claim 7  wherein the first and second layers are essentially the same thickness. 
     
     
         10 . A method as defined in  claim 7  further comprising printing on a second inside surface of the second layer, the second surface facing the first layer. 
     
     
         11 . A method as defined in  claim 7  further comprising printing on at least one of a first outside surface of the first layer and a second outside surface of the second layer. 
     
     
         12 . A method as defined in  claim 7  wherein said adhering step comprises using a solvent-based adhesive.